How to
Connect Your iPod to a PA System

There’s
a few options and
issues here but first up I’ll show you what I think is the
best method that
will work for the vast majority of users.The same principles also apply to computers, CD, and DVD
players.

This
is the least preferred
method.It
may work but there are two
problems.Firstly,
this type of cable
effectively shorts out the amplifier outputs on your iPod and allows
current to
flow from the left channel back into iPod’s right channel and
vice versa.It’s
theoretically possible to damage the
iPod’s output.The second issue is
that combining the two signals may cause distortion.

There
is a work around to
avoid the problems above.If
a resistor
ofsay 10k is
inserted on each signal
line this will prevent current flowing back into the iPod. These
resistors can
be soldered into the shell of the plug.

-Most
mixers have better features on the mic/line channels such as more bands
of equalization and routing options.

-Almost
all mixers have mono "Line In" sockets.

Disadvantages:

-Some
risk of damage to iPod unless backflow currents are prevented.

-Possible
distortion and low signal.

-Doesn’t
allow stereo even if the PA allows it.

WARNING
– Connecting
YouriPod to a
Microphone Socket

Never
connect your iPod the 3
pin XLR sockets of a mixer that has “Phantom Power”. This would
include most
mixers.Phantom
power is a 48 volt signal that the mixer can send
down the
microphone lines to power devices such as condenser microphones
andDI
boxes.The iPod is not designed to handle such high signals.The only exception is when
using a DI box
(see below).

Balanced
Mixer Inputs

Most
mixers will have
“Balanced” line inputs.This is where a
3 conductor cable isused
which
includes a shield anda
+ and - signal
line.The
purpose of this is to reduce
possible interference from radio signals &hum caused by AC power sources.With methods 1 and 3 we are effectively connecting the
shieldand the
– signal together making it an
“Unbalanced” cable.Over a short
distance this is not a problem as we are unlikely to pick up much radio
interference orAC
hum.

Connecting
an iPod Over a
Long Distance

The
above methods are fine
for short distances.If
however, you
need to send your iPod signal over a long distance, for example from
the stage
to the mixer at the back of the venue, then things need to be done a
bit
differently.In
this case you’ll need
a “direct injection” or “DI”
box.The
purpose of a DI box is to convert an “unbalanced”
signal such as from an iPod
into a “balanced” signal.A balanced
signal is better able to reject radio interference andAC hum caused by electrical appliances. DI boxes can be
either
"Active" (requiring batteries or Phantom Power) or "Passive" (no power
required).

Armed
with the above
knowledge you’ll be ready to connect your iPod up correctly
to your PA &
get great sound!